Overview
- Ratcliffe, who met Thursday in Havana with Raulito Rodríguez Castro, Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas, and Cuba’s intelligence chief, delivered President Trump’s message conditioning talks on fundamental changes.
- The U.S. said Cuba can no longer serve as a safe haven for American adversaries, and both sides discussed intelligence cooperation, economic stability, and broader security concerns.
- Cuba said it hosted the delegation at Washington’s request and presented material asserting it is not a U.S. security threat and should not be on the terrorism list.
- The visit unfolded as Cuba’s energy minister said the island has “absolutely no” fuel oil or diesel, with blackouts lasting up to 20–22 hours, protests in major cities, and hospitals delaying care.
- The State Department offered $100 million in humanitarian aid and support for satellite internet to be delivered by the Catholic Church and other NGOs if Havana permits it, while sanctions and the loss of Venezuelan oil keep pressure high and talks continue.